Geophysical Survey at Land near Higher Bissoe, Perranarworthal, Cornwall

The geophysical (gradiometer) survey was undertaken in accordance with current best practice and CIfA guidance; and follows the guidance outlined in Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation (English Heritage 2008b); Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Geophysical Survey (CIfA 2014b); EAC Guidelines for the use of geophysics in Archaeology: Questions to Ask and Points to Consider (Europae Archaeologiae Consilium/European Archaeological Council 2016). 'Archaeological geophysical survey uses non-intrusive and non-destructive techniques to determine the presence or absence of anomalies likely to be caused by archaeological features, structures or deposits, as far as reasonably possible, within a specified area or site on land, in the inter-tidal zone or underwater. Geophysical survey determines the presence of anomalies of archaeological potential through measurement of one or more physical properties of the subsurface.' (Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Geophysical Survey 2014). The results of the survey will, insofar as is possible, inform on the presence or absence, character, extent and in some cases, apparent relative phasing of buried archaeology to inform a strategy to mitigate any threat to the archaeological resource. The geophysical survey identified 24 groups of anomalies comprising c.169 anomalies. These were a mix of linear ditch and/or bank features associated with phases of the existing and historic field-system, phases of possible Prehistoric enclosure and settlement and modern service features. Possible drainage features, pits and/or tree-throws, agricultural activity and anomalies associated with metallic debris and ground disturbance were also apparent. The results of the geophysical survey would suggest that the archaeological potential for the site is moderate: many of the identified features are likely to relate to historic phases of field-system, some dating to the 20th century, others pre-dating the mid-19th century and tentatively suggested as being medieval and post-medieval in date. Some features, however, may relate to late Prehistoric settlement of the site or medieval charcoal production. Any development of the site is likely to encounter and destroy the buried archaeological resource (should it be present), and further mitigation through, in the first instance, targeted evaluation trenching would validate and clarify the results of the geophysical survey.